Xiuxiu's cold hadn't improved as Yuanhuan had hoped, since taking medication didn't swiftly cure it. In the two to three days that followed, Xiuxiu remained groggy and out of sorts. Usually healthy, she tended to drag out even minor ailments for half a month, and it even got worse by the time Yuanhuan was prepared to drive back to his hometown for the Lunar New Year. Although her cold had worsened, it still didn't hinder their travel plans back home.
Xiuxiu, wrapped up snugly in a coat by Yuanhuan, soon fell into a deep sleep in their family car. Their three children were exceptionally well-behaved, aware that Xiuxiu wasn't feeling well after sitting in the car all day. None of them fussed. Song Chengguang, as the eldest sibling, took good care of his younger brother and sister. Seated side by side in the back, they would listen to stories told patiently by Song Chengguang, which kept them quietly entertained.
